Adrian Peterson remembers the last time his father, Nelson, saw him play in person.
It was at a youth football tournament in Texarkana, Texas, nearly a decade ago. Nelson was an assistant coach and Peterson was already showing the talent that would turn him into a collegiate star.
“It was a weekend tournament,” the Oklahoma running back recalled. “We went out and crushed everybody and I got the MVP. It was cool.”
Adrian was 12 years old. A lot has changed in the nine years since.
In 1999, Nelson Peterson began serving a 10-year prison sentence for money laundering as part of an investigation into crack cocaine dealing.
He served eight of those years at a minimum security prison in Texarkana. While he there, his son blossomed into one of the nation’s best prep running backs at Palestine High School.
In his two-plus seasons at OU, he quickly became an All-American and a Heisman Trophy hopeful. He has rushed for 3,785 yards and 37 touchdowns as a Sooner.
Throughout all those memorable moments, there’s never been that one where father and son share the moment after a game.
That all changes Saturday when OU (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) faces Iowa State (3-2, 0-2) at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Owen Field.
Nelson will get to see his son play in person for the first time since before going to prison.
“It’s going to be a wonderful experience to see him go in there and do what he does,” he said.
Adrian has often expressed his desire for that to happen, but the anticipation increased this season.
Nelson was paroled in June. As part of the condition of his release, he moved into a halfway house in Oklahoma City and now works at a car dealership.
He may only live 30 minutes away, but this is the first time he’s been allowed to attend a game. Attempts were made for him to attend last Saturday’s OU-Texas game in Dallas, but conditions of his parole wouldn’t allow him to leave the state.
OU coach Bob Stoops knows how important this game is to his star running back.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “It’s hard for me to talk about in that’s a personal thing between the two of them. But I’m happy for them. I’m sure for them it’s been a long time coming and it will be a nice and good experience for him.”
It’s also something the running back doesn’t want to overshadow the game. It’s going to be a big day for him. But he says what happens on the field is what’s most important. That’s the way he and his father want it.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll glance over there and look at him a few times, but that’s it,” he said. “It’s going to be emotional, but it’s all business.
“It’s a real big deal. He hasn’t been able to see me since high school or middle school. It’s going to be exciting and emotional at the same time. But I know what’s in front of me and what this team has worked for.”
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
His father will be there
Big day for the Petersons
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